Failing a cable then switching circuit off?

[sharpy1983]

Hi Des, that's why I've asked the question on this thread,

I suppose that seeing the cpc cut and the failure of IR between both live conductors and earth caused me concern but I can see that it is a degraded cable which will be put in for a replacement.

the general consensus is that, if the Zs complies, then the circuit should remain live but should be noted in the observations that the cable requires replacing due to the IR failure.

What code would you enter in the obs part of the report? C1,c2,or c3?

 

[polo1]

Inspectors carrying out an EICR do not have implied authority to isolate any (even deemed dangerous) circuits on their own authority. What you should do is contact the owner for permission to isolate a circuit that you deem to be an immediate danger and issue a danger notice. If the owner agrees, no problem, isolate. If they don't you have the Danger Notice to cover your ar**.

Regards.

 

[44ALLAN]

Sharpy...............read posts 2/4/6 and 15 again and digest mate.

 

[BrianDB9]

Its always a difficult call to isolate.

I think it needs bringing to the attention of the employer to define what action they would like you to take when you find such situations , if they do a risk assessment and judge such a situation as more of a potential danger to traffic than other maintenance staff then they will have to answer for the consequences but you will have the employers instructions in writing and that would be your get out of jail free card.

 

[sharpy1983]

Thanks Allan

 

[sharpy1983]

Brian, I've done exactly that today, emailed my gaffer requesting confirmation from the customer and company in similar circumstances. New to testing and enjoying it but just don't want to get caught out but on the other hand don't want to be disconnecting circuits which are failing if the customer wants them left energised. Bit of a grey area I suppose. I thought the competent person would be able to make the decision to knock off a failed circuit if it does not comply with the regulations. Suppose this scenario is like taking ur car for an mot and the tyres have no tread, they still drive but not within spec!! Can you carry on driving or does ur car fail its mot? Fail, car doesn't go back out, what's the difference?

 

[sharpy1983]

Thanks polo

 

[trev]

Sharpy I'm guessing you had to tell someone that you isolated this bit of kit, and I'm also guessing that because you're here asking about it you haven't had your balls handed to you on a plate. If both of the above are correct then there's no sweat mate, like one of the guys said most cars have lights these days. OK there could be traffic conditions up ahead that they need to know about but if it's a case of causing a jam or a verge worker frying I know which I'd find easier to live with. The cable can be re energised if someone over rules you, it's a bit more difficult restarting someone's heart I think.

 

[sharpy1983]

Exactly Trev,
I'd informed the chain of people who I had to inform on the day, isolated the circuit and informed them if the situation and the readings.

 

[sharpy1983]

Used the word inform too much then!!!

 

[trev]

I was grateful to be informed of the information your informative post contained I believe informing the information to all those who should be informed of it exonerates you of any blame

 

[sharpy1983]

Thank you Trev, you have been very informative this evening!!! Cheers again mate

 

[44ALLAN]

Yes Prime Minister

 

[polo1]

Sharpy1983, I was re-reading my earlier post in the cold light of day and think it may have come across a bit "holier than thou" - absolutely not my intention , but that's emails for you! Being prepared to ask for opinions and accept/reject the opinions given as you see fit is exactly the right approach.

As a spark who takes my role seriously, particularly where I believe there is potential danger to users/third parties from an installation, I would welcome the power in law to isolate a circuit or installation in such a condition. Why? 'Cos I've seen many, particularly retail, installations where the owner's only interest is their bottom line and getting them to make essential improvements is well nigh impossible. This facility exists in gas, why not electricity?

I've learned the hard way the limits of a spark's ability to take "sensible" action in the face of danger to users and have just had to bite the bullit and issue a danger notice. For the type of work you are involved in, your employer could seek the agreement of the customer's electrical duty holder to be allowed to isolate and inform any imminently dangerous situations you come across - the best of both worlds imho.

Regards.

 

[sharpy1983]

Thanks for the reply polo, appreciate the advice ill be straight in the office on Monday ensuring we have clarification on what actions I can and cann

- - - Updated - - -

Cannot take when coming across similar scenarios. Thanks again mate